Whether you’re headed out for a mom’s day out with the kids or want to have a prep/cook/clean-free evening with the hubby, it’s always a good idea to have a list of places where the atmosphere is pleasant, the food is good and kids are welcome.
Source: freedigitalphotos.net/Serge Bertasius
Here is a list of 10 Kid-friendly restaurants in Bellevue that have passed the test.
- Din Tai Fung. Really, these aren’t in any particular order but we did put this one first because who doesn’t love dim sum? And, it’s the perfect food for wee ones who like to munch on a little of this and a little of that and mix it up with sauces. And, heck! We love that too! Everyone will be happy here. Plus, how can you not recommend a place that was listed as one of the best restaurants in the world by the NY Times?
- Belleview Burgermaster. It’s affordable, the menu is simple and it seems that almost everyone can find some version of burger that they like, so it’s also a crowd pleaser. FYI: They use grass-fed beef, which is a bonus. The kids will love being served in the car and you will love not having to gett everyone out and then in, and then out and in again. Plus, for those haggard days, they’re open ‘til midnight.
- Taquería el Riconsito. There always has to be a Mexican food place on the list because they are one of the only places that bring snacks directly to your table right off the bat. That’s a major bonus for those of us with young ‘uns in tow. The food is good and you can always order a virgin margarita (hold the virgin) if you’re having a rough day.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy. Just as every list must have a Mexican place on board, there needs to be an Italian place listed too. You can save extra $$ since your pasta can be shared with the little ones and there will still be plenty of food for all. Or, order one of their delicious pizzas for the kiddos and/or parents to share. We figured that Italians have big, loud families so they must not be opposed to ours right? We were correct. The service has always been gracious.
- Pagliacci Pizza. If you’re in the mood for pizza only, skip Maggiano’s and head straight for Pagliacci Pizza. You can order the traditional stuff if you have picky kids, or adults in the group. But we love that Pagliacci treats you to the gourmet side of things too, like with their Peachza Primo that features Canadian bacon, peaches and arugula. YUM!
- Seastar Seafood Restaurant and Raw Bar. First off, oysters are an aphrodisiac, so there’s that. However, we feel there always needs to be an upscale, delicious place parents can go with their kids and enjoy a nice meal out with “real” food that isn’t just tacos and pizza or grilled cheese. This is that place. If you have a particularly challenging toddler, you may want to wait a year but other than that, they are accommodating of families and serve delicious food that is presented beautifully.
- Jimmy John’s. This is your good ol’ fashioned subway sandwich shop (before there was a chain called Subway, remember that?). We recommend getting there on the early side of lunch as the line can be out the door during the weekday lunch rush. But hey, early lunches are par for the course for moms with kids, right? Grab your sandwiches and accoutrement and walk a few blocks to the downtown park for a picnic.
- Yoe’s Noodles. We love noodles and so do kids. There is hardly anything cuter than watching little kids slurping away on their noodles. Best of all, America is like the only country on the planet that considers efficiently eatin noodles, “rude”. In a noodle shop, all that slurpage is acceptable and downright encouraged. Order larges and you can easily share. Warning: This can become an addiction so be prepared for you and your children to crave it at least once, if not more, per week.
- Scotty Brown’s. Here’s another one for your, “Are we ever going to be able to eat adult food again?!?” list. Yes! You can. If not at Seastar then certainly at Scotty Brown’s Gastro Pub. In addition to a pub-style atmosphere with delicious, gourmet-worthy dishes, they also offer Takeout Tuesdays where you can get everything on the menu for 20% off. You might think you want the honey to pick it up on the way home. However, the bellinis are only $5 on Tuesday nights so we recommend having him stay with the kids while you go pick the food up.
- Blissberri. Dessert is TOTALLY a meal, right? Dairy products have calcium. Treat yourself, your children and your family to delicious frozen yogurt and good ol’ fashioned ice cream. Blissberri is delicious and we feel that, in addition to nutrition, emotional well-being is key to having a happy family. This is a cheap and easy place to pay it forward for the next person in line!
What are your favorite Bellevue restaurants for you and the family? Share them with the Overlake blog readers and staff.